Board Self-Assessment forms a critical element of a well-established governance system. It is designed to assist the members of your board understand their role and how they can contribute to the success your non-profit organization. This includes identifying areas of improvement and strengths. Make sure that the board members are happy with their job and are content with the knowledge and experience they’ve gained.
One of the most effective and most common methods to evaluate the performance of a board is to use an online Board Self-Assessment Tool. This allows the process to be more focused and less burdensome for your board members, especially when as compared to an extensive written evaluation.
If you’ve got an assessment tool for your board be clear about the goals of the test to determine which method will be employed. Consider how many questions you would like to ask, the depth of your assessment, and availability of resources when selecting the best method to collect information. You can utilize surveys, interviews, or the facilitation of discussions to evaluate your situation.
Analyze and interpret the data collected to gain meaningful insights. This requires comparing quantitative data to find patterns and trends in the results, as well as taking into account qualitative feedback.
After the data has been reviewed, it is important to facilitate thoughtful discussions with your board. During these meetings the board will be discussing the results of the self-assessment. They will also work together on ways to improve the board’s governance and performance. In these discussions ensure that the board members feel confident in sharing their honest and candid feedback. It is crucial that discussions are conducted with complete confidentiality, so that no board member could be identified based on the content of their responses.